THE dream shall never die was a phrase used by Alex Salmond in conceding defeat in the independence referendum; it was also the title of his book. Those five words encapsulate the views of many, including myself, who are committed to the cause of independence. The faux outrage when Nicola Sturgeon says the issue transcends others, is ridiculous and hypocritical.

After all the Liberal Democrats still seek proportional representation despite the heavy defeat of the referendum on Alternative Voting. The free market drives Conservatives, as socialism was supposed to Labour. Electoral or referendum defeats haven’t stopped them continuing to seek to change society in the way they wish. All that is perfectly legitimate and life in a democracy.

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Independence motivates the SNP, though it’s not the only issue. For some it’s the key to change rather than a cause itself, allowing for a progressive government of our own choice or the removal of nuclear weapons. For others it’s simply how it should be for a nation. Given more than 300 years’ membership of an incorporating Union one of the most surprising things about Scottish Nationalism is it still exists. That cannot all be explained away by simply having distinctive civic institutions like church, law and education. Many other ancient European nations have simply disappeared into the pages of the history books. There is an underlying cause.

Many of course disagree, as is their right. For them it may be undesirable after 300 years of a union, or they fear the consequences. They are entitled to their opinion, as others are on the privatisation of state enterprises or membership of the EU or other institutions. What they cannot argue is that it shouldn’t be pursued.

The referendum on Scottish independence was a remarkable event in which Scotland should take pride. The turnout and the peaceful nature of it demonstrated the possibilities and benefits of the democratic process. Other countries could learn from it. The nonsense of divisiveness comes from those opposed to or fearful of another.

The closeness of the result ensured the issue wouldn’t go away. After all, it was only conceded when David Cameron thought he’d win comfortably. Moreover, at one stage the intention was not just to win it easily but crush the SNP. It was shown to be as empty a threat as devolution killing “independence stone dead”. The failure to immediately offer meaningful devolution as alluded to in the Vow alienated further.

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Moreover, the Yes campaign motivated thousands, many of whom had ceased to or never had voted. They will not immediately return to acquiescence with their lot, especially with austerity being enforced and changes like Brexit threatening. Independence transcends those issues as it’s the route many see to escape them. The question is therefore about timing. Go too soon and it may be precipitous. Go too late and the mood may have dissipated.

Scottish history is littered with tales of headlong rushes to disaster. As with Highland charges it’s not the passion of the participants that’s in doubt, but the wisdom of the tactic. Scottish success, whether on the battle or sporting field, has come through more cerebral actions not rushes of blood to the head. Glorious defeat would put the dream back catastrophically, even if some enjoyed the journey. Wiser counsel must prevail.

A second independence referendum, as with so many other aspects of politics, is about events. There needs to be a catalyst. The Brexit vote on its own leaves too many unanswered questions. Would we be in the EU, would there be a hard border and what would the currency be? None of those can be answered but would be questions being asked. Some clarity on them is needed.

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It’s difficult in politics to restrain some activists when passions run so high. But, sometimes that needs done. It’s frustrating but essential for ultimate success. The SNP would be wiser to be working on the answers to critical questions that cost victory in the last referendum. It should also be working in and cherishing the constituencies won in its wake. They cannot be taken for granted. It’s not easy when with limited powers available the Scottish Government is mitigating austerity and managing decline. However, it must be done.

If there’s a snap election with a comfortable Tory win that would accelerate plans. Otherwise it's await the optimum time. The Tories cannot complain. Many waited their chance for Brexit, as they nursed the Ridley plan to smash the miners a generation ago.

As the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath nears, the cause of independence hasn’t gone away but as Mel Gibson shouted to the Scottish ranks in the movie Braveheart: “Hold”. It’s about timing and tactics.